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Victor Maphosa recently in Mutoko
THE Italian embassy in Zimbabwe yesterday donated obstetric simulators and state-of-the-art solid waste steriliser to Luisa Guidotti Hospital in Mutoko.
The obstetric simulators will be used as training aids in an intensive trainers’ course designed to enhance professional education of clinical staff at different levels to reduce complications and deaths that occur during child birth.
The solid waste steriliser will enhance safe recycling of hospital waste.
In an interview, Italian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Carlo Perrotta, said they were committed to supporting the health sector.
“We are pleased to partner with the Government of Zimbabwe in this initiative,” he said.
“Supporting the health sector is an important part of our development cooperation.
“The obstetric simulators will play a critical role in the Maternal and Perinatal Mortality Reduction Programme, while the solid waste steriliser is set to introduce a new environmentally friendly approach to solid waste management, which is in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.”
Ambassador Perrotta said a group of Italian doctors were coming to Zimbabwe in May.
He said specialists from the European Union, who provide the training under the programme, will also visit the country.
He said the two-year programme targets doctors, tutors, clinical instructors, midwives and nursing students.
“The personnel will be drawn from the schools of nursing that are located in Mashonaland East Province,” said Ambassador Perrotta.
“Once trained, they will in turn become trainers at their respective institutions and at other centres in the province.”
In his remarks, Principal Director (Preventive Services) in the Ministry of Health and Child Care Dr Gibson Mhlanga said Government was committed to ensure its people had access to quality health services.
He said Zimbabwe’s maternal and perinatal mortalities were still very high and unacceptable.
“As Government, we are committed to giving quality health services, medical supplies and well trained health personnel for the people,” said Dr Mhlanga.
“We must make sure the number of women who die while giving birth is reduced or stopped completely.”
Luisa Guidotti Hospital medical superintendent Dr Massimo Migan, said the simulators will reduce the number of women who die while giving birth.
“We are confident that this approach to training will have a significant impact on the reduction of maternal and perinatal deaths,” said Dr Migani.
“This is because it will improve the quality of education while at the same time enhancing preparedness among clinical staff, to handle emergencies and complications during child delivery.”
Online Reporter